Psalms 127

1 A Song of the going up. Of Solomon. If the Lord is not helping the builders, then the building of a house is to no purpose: if the Lord does not keep the town, the watchman keeps his watch for nothing.

A Canticle in steps: of Solomon. Unless the Lord has built the house, those who build it have labored in vain. Unless the Lord has guarded the city, he who guards it watches in vain.

2 It is of no use for you to get up early, and to go late to your rest, with the bread of sorrow for your food; for the Lord gives to his loved ones in sleep.

It is in vain that you rise before daylight, that you rise up after you have sat down, you who chew the bread of sorrow. Whereas, to his beloved, he will give sleep.

3 See, sons are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the body is his reward.

Behold, the inheritance of the Lord is sons, the reward is the fruit of the womb.

4 Like arrows in the hand of a man of war, are the children of the young.

Like arrows in the hand of the powerful, so are the sons of those who have been cast out.

5 Happy is the man who has a good store of them; he will not be put to shame, but his cause will be supported by them against his haters.

Blessed is the man who has filled his desire from these things. He will not be confounded when he speaks to his enemies at the gate.